The wooden wheels rattled noisily as the carriage trundled along the rocky road.
Inside sat two women, while a black-haired man with obsidian eyes held the reins, guiding the carriage towards the border between Ardel and Dracor.
Eventually, they reached a path guarded by soldiers, forcing the man to bring the carriage to a halt.
One of the guards stepped forward and demanded, "Where are you headed?"
"We're returning to the City of Tarnova," the man answered calmly.
"This route is closed. His Majesty has forbidden anyone from using it. Turn back at once," the soldier ordered firmly.
"Look, I need to get home as soon as possible. I'm a merchant, and I've been away from my business for far too long. Please, allow me to pass. I'm willing to pay for the trouble," the man pleaded, attempting to reason with the guard.
"Didn't you hear me? This is an order from His Majesty, the new King of Ardel! No one dares defy him!" the soldier snapped.
